Synthesis and Properties of Ultra-fine (Ti, M1, M2)(CN)-Ni Cermets

TiC-and Ti(C,N)-based cermets are excellent in semi-and final finishing of work piece during cutting operations. Typical microstructure of the cermets is a core/rim structure. The undissolved Ti(C,N) cores contribute to their high hardness while the rim phases, (Ti,M1,M2)(C,N)-type solid solutions, play great roles in enhancing the toughness. In this paper, various ultrafine pre-mixed MeC-Ni powders were synthesized and the powders were sintered or hot pressed after mixing in order to control the size and volume fractions of core and rim phases in the system. This paper will present the factors determining the microstructure along with mechanical properties.